PPL is looking to hire a number of research interns for the Winterlude, Spring and Summer of 2017. All positions are listed below, and can range between 10 and 20 hours / week. Pay rates vary according to the position and the skills required.

VIS-SIM: A Framework for Calibrated Urban Building Energy Simulation

Openings: 2 or more positions.

This project focuses on the development of an urban building energy model to simulate, test, and visualize future scenarios and strategies in order to: 1) support clean and resilient functioning of the electric grid; 2) minimize energy by buildings while improving occupant comfort; 3) match external energy resources with building energy demand. Interest in simulation is required, simulation skills are preferred.

Feasibility Assessment of Sustainable Transportation (FAST): Syracuse

Openings: 1 or 2 or two positions.

Starting Time: Winterlude and/or Spring 2017, ending June 30th.

This project studies the feasibility of achieving reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the City of Syracuse via interventions that are designed to increase walking and biking, shared vehicles and the use of public transportation.

Research Intern responsibilities include: developing urban design guidelines, layouts for sharing economies (bike-sharing, car-sharing, etc.) and strategies for promoting use of public transportation in the City of Syracuse. Outcome is in the form of short-term and long-term recommendations, including impact calculations for various sustainability measures.

Openings: 2 or more positions.

Energy audits of buildings face multiple challenges. In this project, we propose to address inaccessibility, human error and spatial challenges by employing an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) platform. More specifically, a drone equipped with thermal cameras, to conduct rapid building envelope performance diagnostics and perform aerial assessment mapping.

Research Intern responsibilities include: Identifying standard procedures for operating a UAS for energy audit missions, conduct energy audit and diagnostics for building envelopes, quantify thermal performance of the envelope, and develop data analytics workflows to be validated through field testing. Interest in thermal imaging is required, previous experience with drones is preferred but not required.